Primary Division Ballet Teacher

San Jose Dance Theatre is seeking a passionate, engaging, and experienced ballet educator to serve as one of our Primary Division Ballet Teachers. The ideal candidate is a champion for children’s dance education with a warm, professional presence and a strong understanding of child development, creative exploration, and age-appropriate ballet methodology. This individual will work closely with the Artistic Director to help maintain consistency, excellence, and joy throughout the primary division experience.

Position Details:

• Part-time position with additional hours available during production seasons
• Compensation: $40-$50/hour 
• Required Saturday availability, including assistance with rehearsals during production periods
• Reports directly to the Artistic/School Director

Responsibilities:

• Teach ballet and movement classes ranging from Pre-Ballet through Level 3 (Ages 3-11)
• Foster a positive, nurturing, and inspiring classroom environment for young dancers and families
• Support dancer placement and progression within the Primary Division
• Oversee rehearsals and children’s casting during productions and performances
• Serve as a professional role model and ambassador for SJDT’s educational mission
• Help strengthen enrollment retention and family engagement within the Primary Division

Qualifications:

• Minimum 4+ years of experience teaching children’s dance and ballet
• Strong background in early childhood dance education and child development-based teaching practices
• Experience with creative movement, dance exploration, and foundational ballet pedagogy
• Professional dance training and/or performance background required
• Excellent communication and classroom management skills
• Ability to lead with positivity, professionalism, and consistency
• Experience mentoring or supervising other teachers preferred
• Passion for nurturing young dancers in a structured yet joyful learning environment
• Availability to work Saturdays and production rehearsal schedules

This position is ideal for an educator who is deeply invested in building strong foundations for young dancers and becoming an integral member of the SJDT faculty. The ideal candidate will be passionate about helping shape the future growth and vision of SJDT’s youth ballet program while contributing to the organization’s proud 60-year legacy.